Shaq and Kobe: All-Star Game 'Bromance' is Questionable

The exchange of cheap shots via the media. The childish "my team, not yours" battle. The fact their coach wrote a not-so-flattering tell-all about the events.

All swept under the rug? Just like that? What changed?

I suppose Shaq has something to gain by making nice. The Phoenix Suns are on the brink of being disassembled. Some have speculated that Shaq painting Kobe and Phil in a positive light is his way of positioning himself for a potential return to the Lakers. The future holds the key to that answer.

But what's Kobe's angle? Let's see: His personality has gone through a bit of a makeover since Shaq departed. He's certainly more likeable to some, but others still find him to be full of, well, you know. Oh, and everyone is pretty darn sure he wants to win a championship without Shaq.

So, it seems Shaq wants to repair their marriage, while Kobe is likely citing "irreconcilable differences." Sure, Kobe seemed to be playing along when the cameras were on, but, come on, are we that gullible?

Like I said, what changed?

Naturally, the media loves Shaq and Kobe's newfound fondness for each other. L.A. Times columnist Mark Heisler wrote a piece detailing the duo's giggling post-game quotes. ESPN.com columnist J.A. Adande referred to Shaq and Kobe as "great entertainment."

The Shaq-Kobe storyline is maybe the most talked about in NBA history, and the media is eating it up.

Sunday's All-Star game started with Shaq-Kobe chatter and ended with the two being named co-MVPs. Anyone find that a little, um, ironic? Sorry, not even a Hollywood screenwriter could make that ending believable.

According to Adande, Shaq won the media voting 5-4. Kobe received two points for winning the fan vote and Shaq received one for finishing second.

But strong cases could have been made for hometown star (for now) Amar'e Stoudemire and point guard Chris Paul. Stoudemire had 19 points and 6 rebounds, and Paul approached triple-double territory with 14 points, 14 assists, and 7 rebounds.

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